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Sep 23, 2015 | 01:53

Protests as Xi starts U.S. visit

The arrival of China's president on his first state visit to the U.S. is greeted by protests in some quarters. Paul Chapman reports.

TRANSCRIPT +

PLEASE NOTE: XI AUDIO AS INCOMING. CHANNELS ARE MIXED: MANDARIN SOUNDBITES AND UNDERLYING ENGLISH TRANSLATION CANNOT BE SEPARATED
The arrival of China's president on his first state visit to the United States hasn't pleased everyone.
In Seattle where Xi Jinping was due to deliver a speech a small group of Falun Gong supporters protested alongside a group of well-wishers.
The protesters say Falun Gong practitioners are oppressed in China.
Elsewhere in the city about 100 people turned out to demonstrate over human rights including pro-Tibet groups.
(SOUNDBITE)(English) TIBET SUPPORTER JAMPA JORKHANG SAYING:
"He's trying to root out corruption in China. Well, that's another story whether he's really rooting out corruption or is it a political game they're playing. They're trying to get rid of the enemy within their own power ranking. That's beside the question but he's become ever more powerful and the clampdown in Tibet has become even stronger right now."
In Washington D.C the Newseum, which aims to champion freedom of expression, also had something to say.
Xi faces more protests on a range of issues throughout his visit.
In his speech on Tuesday night he sought to reassure business and government officials on trade and cyber security.
(SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING SAYING:
"Cooperation is the only way to bring about benefits. But cooperation as far as mutual accommodation of each others' interest, and the quest of the great common ground. If China and the U.S. cooperate well, they can become a bedrock of global stability, and a booster of world peace. Should they enter into conflict or confrontation, it would lead to disaster for both countries and the world at large."
Xi is due to meet U.S. President Barack Obama and U.S. business leaders during his week-long visit.
He's facing questions about his stewardship of the slowing economy and government intervention in stock markets after key indexes plunged over the summer.

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